Question

A client weighed 210 pounds (95.2 kg) on admission to the hospital. After 2 days of diuretic therapy, the client weighs 205.5 pounds (93.2 kg). Which numerical value reflects the liters of fluid excreted by the client? Record your answer using a whole number.

__________ liters

Answer 1

The client lost approximately 4.5 pounds, which translates to about 2.04 liters of fluid. After rounding, the answer is 2 liters of fluid excreted.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the numerical value reflecting the liters of fluid excreted by the client after diuretic therapy, we need to convert the weight loss into a volume measurement, assuming that the weight loss is entirely due to fluid loss. In this scenario, the client lost 4.5 pounds (210 pounds - 205.5 pounds). Since 1 pound of body weight is roughly equivalent to 0.45 liters of water, we can calculate the volume of fluid lost as follows:

1. Convert pounds lost to kilograms: 4.5 pounds × 0.45359237 kg/pound = 2.04 kg (rounded to two decimal places).
2. Since 1 kg of body weight is roughly equivalent to 1 liter of water, the volume of fluid lost can be assumed to be the same as the weight lost in kilograms, which is 2.04 liters.
3. Round the volume to the nearest whole number: 2.04 liters ≈ 2 liters of fluid.

The numerical value reflecting the liters of fluid excreted by the client is therefore approximately 2 liters.